ORANGE COUNTY, NC (November 3, 2017) – Quintana Stewart has been named Orange County’s new Health Director. Quintana, who has more than 16 years of public health experience in a variety of roles with the Forsyth County, N.C., Department of Public Health, will assume her new position on Dec. 18, 2017.

"Ms. Stewart's experience in public health leadership will allow the Health Department to continue to serve our community with excellence,” said Liska Lackey, the Chair of the Orange County Board of Health, which selected Stewart after a nationwide search. “As we look to the future, her passion for innovation and equity will guide us in our mission to enhance the quality of life, promote the health, and preserve the environment for all people in Orange County."

Stewart earned her bachelor’s in Public Health Education, with a concentration in Community Health Education, from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in May 2001. She earned a master’s in public administration, with a concentration in Healthcare Administration, from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke in December 2013.

She began her public health career in September 2001 with Forsyth County as a Health Educator. She became a Health Education Specialist in August 2002 and was named Director of Emergency Response and Communications in February 2006. In August 2013, she was appointed as Assistant Health Director for the department.

As Assistant Director, Stewart led the day-to-day operations of the Forsyth County Department of Health with direct oversight of Business & Finance, Information Technology, Medical Records, Human Resources, Dental Center, Epidemiology & Surveillance, and Public Health Preparedness.

“The Orange County Health Department has proven to be a department that nurtures and encourages innovators,” said Stewart. “I took the position because I want to work with a team of innovators that share my passion and purpose for developing healthy communities.”

The Orange County Health Department operates two health clinics and a dental clinic and oversees the county’s environmental health services as well as the Family Success Alliance. The department provides nutrition, family planning, maternal health, refugee health and communicable disease services as well as screenings for adults, teens and children.